From kjc_at_netdoor.com Sat Sep 27 07:11:18 1997
by pike.netdoor.com (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id JAA27585
for <dale_at_unofficialbmw.com>; Sat, 27 Sep 1997 09:11:08 -0500 (CDT)
From: "KJC" <kjc_at_netdoor.com>
To: <dale_at_unofficialbmw.com>
Subject: Re: <E30> SRS Steering Wheel Removal/Steering Column Cover Removal
Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 09:07:30 -0500
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
X-Priority: 3

Hi Dale,

Thanks for responding! I successfully removed the steering wheel using the following procedure send by another Digester...of course you were right about disconnecting the battery. Good luck.

Tom Williams

<snip>

I removed my airbag-clad steering wheel on my 90 E34 to fix a problem I had with my horn/steering wheel. Removal is a simple procedure and not dangerous if directions are followed exactly.

NOTE: Make sure you have your radio code before performing the following procedure because your radio will go into 'anti-theft' mode when battery is disconnected and you will have to enter the code before the radio will work again. You can get your radio code from the dealer parts counter if you don't know have the code.

Step 1: Unhook negative battery cable. This removes any possibility of

     the airbag deploying or messing up the SRS system as people have 
     recently reported on the list.   

Step 2: On the back of the center part of the steering wheel, there are

     four allen wrench screws.  Unscrew these (the screws will not come 
     out - they are part of the airbag contraption) and the entire center 
     part of the steering wheel (airbag) will come off.  (NOTE: MY 91 HAD
TWO TORX                SCREWS IN A SIMILAR LOCATION...THAT'S ALL I HAD TO
REMOVE)  You will                     have to disconnect (just pull the
connector off) the airbag trigger wire from 
     the center part of the airbag contraption to remove it completely.

Now the steering wheel looks exactly like a non-airbag steering wheel with the big nut holding the steering wheel on. Unscrew the nut and the steering wheel pulls straight off. Installation is reverse... Re-connect the negative battery cable *last* after you are done putting everything back together. Good luck. Std disclaimers apply...it worked for me.